Babylonstoren, Franschhoek, South Africa and The Newt, Somerset, England

Babylostoren in Franschhoek, South Africa - February 2024

I have recently had the pleasure of discovering the wonderful gardens at Babylonstoren in Franschhoek, South Africa.

If you have visited their British version at the Newt in Somerset you won’t be disappointed as both are beautifully designed to take you on a journey of wonderment and tranquility.

The Newt in Somerset and Babylonstoren are both properties owned by Karen Roos and Koos Bekker. The Newt is a hotel and garden in Somerset, England, and Babylonstoren is a garden, vineyard and hotel in the Cape Winelands of South Africa. The Newt was inspired by Babylonstoren, and the two properties share a focus on gardens, food, and first class hospitality. 

A view of the vines at Babylonstoren - September 2021

The Apiary at Babylonstoren

“Babylostoren is Set within 5 hectares (12 acres) of cultivated fruit and vegetables, the garden is at the heart of the farm. It was inspired by the historic Company’s Garden in Cape Town, which supplied sailing ships of the Dutch East India Company with fresh vegetables and fruit during the days when the Cape was a halfway station between Europe and Asia. But we also link back to the mythological hanging gardens of Babylon. Those were thought to have been created by Nebuchadnezzar in the sixth century BC, for his wife who longed for the mountains and valleys of her youth.”

— Babylonstoren website

Babylonstoren - February 2024

“The Newt–Influenced by thousands of years of horticultural history, take a stroll through acres of formal gardens and perhaps learn something along the way. We share the land with a host of wildlife; you may spot native deer promenading in the woods or Great Crested newts bathing in the ponds.”

— The Newt website

A feature at The Newt - September 2021

The tree lined bridge at The Newt - September 2021

Harvest display at The Newt - September 2021

A glance at the start of the gardens at The Newt - September 2021

Find out more about the wonderful gardens at The Newt here.

A beautiful array of local produce - February 2024

Find out more about the wonderful gardens at Babylonstoren here.

A view of the cacti at Babylonstoren - February 2024

A display at Babylonstoren - February 2024

I can highly reccommend a visit to both Babylonstoren and The Newt. I hear they also have wonderful accommodation too. Now that’s something I must enjoy next time…

Thanks for reading

What's In Store for 2025 and Beyond.

Okatie, South Carolina - September 2024

Welcome to my first blog of 2025.

Let’s head into the new year with enjoyment, enthusiasm and above all creativity for an exciting 2025 and beyond.

The most important mindset to engage in January is a clear vision and focus for what you would like to achieve during the coming months, or even years.

I’d like to share with you my vision to achieve my goals.

Looking back at the past 28 years since I started my business in the wonderful world of photography – SMS Creative Photography, now called Stella – the one thing that has remained a firm constant is the connection to you, my customers. To craft everlasting photographs to reflect on for very many years to come.

Whether you are amongst the first families and businesses I photographed or we have met more recently. The message and intention remains the same – to demonstrate just how valuable time is. Unless these moments are captured and printed they fade rapidly from ones mind and become memories, sometimes forgotten ones.

Hilton Head, South Carolina, USA – September 2024

With the passing of time I have learnt so much along the way, and it’s not just taking photographs.

For example…

• Running and growing a successful business

• Communicating on different levels with a variety of people

• Learning new technology – after all, it was a roll of film in the camera in 1997 when I opened the doors to my shiny new business

• Creating an online presence via a website and social media

• Marketing to the right demographic

• Growing and maintaining your Brand

• Cashflow

• Understanding above all what your customer wants and how to deliver a first class product and service…

With all of this in mind it brings me onto what’s in store for 2025 and how I can share my knowledge and expertise with you so you can benefit.

A helping hand... photographed at Grande Provence Estate, Franschhoek, South Africa – February 2024

• Headshot Portraits for your professional profile. When did you last update yours?

• Family photoshoots a fun-filled experience to reflect on for years to come.

• Classic & Supercar collections to create provenance and a lasting memory.

• Mentorships to teach and support you to start and maintain your business in photography.

To book or enquire about any of the above feel free to call/message me on 0777 181 0105 or email me here.

Charleston USA – captured in September 2024

I’m always open to other projects you may have on the horizon to photograph different events or lifestyle changes in your life.

For example…

• A before, during and after transformation of a home or garden project

• The gathering of memorabilia and photographs to create a bespoke tailor made book to give to someone very special to celebrate a landmark in time

• Curating photographs and artworks to display in your home or office selecting the mounts and frames and design for your wall space

Life is a continuous story of fleeting moments and I feel privileged to be able to photograph yours.

This link tells you a little bit more about my works as a professional photographer.

Thank you